The Hindu : National : 'A deep understanding of human nature'

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Sunday, Mar 20, 2005

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National

'A deep understanding of human nature'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19. Tamil writer, novelist, essayist and film-maker D. Jayakanthan will be awarded the 38th Jnanpith Award for 2002. The decision was announced following a meeting of the Selection Board headed by scholar-philosopher and writer L.M. Singhvi here today.

The award comprises a citation plaque, a bronze statue of Vagdevi and Rs. 5 lakhs in cash.

Describing the writer's works as one that delicately unveiled every depth of human emotion and equations, Mr. Singhvi said: "He has not only enriched the high literary traditions of Tamil language but has also made outstanding contribution towards the shaping of Indian literature. His literature represents a deep and sensitive understanding of the complex human nature and is an authentic and vivid index of Indian reality."

Born in Cuddalore in a middle class family in 1934, Mr. Jayakanthan has penned 40 novels and has to his credit nearly 200 short stories and 15 collection of essays, including Romain Rolland's biography of Mahatma Gandhi that he translated into Tamil.

Storming into the popular magazine scene with his unconventional short stories, Mr. Jayakanthan has received acclaim for delving into the problems of women and the economic divide in society. Having made his mark in literature, the writer ventured into the world of cinema in 1964, with at least 10 of his works being used for celluloid versions. After P.V. Akhilondam, who was awarded the 11th Jnanpith Award, Mr. Jayakanthan is only the second Tamil author to receive the honour.

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